Texas Border Business
Harlingen sits at the center of the Rio Grande Valley, offering major advantages in order to attract people, and more importantly, businesses. In a new video series, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation will introduce the many ways the organization works within the community in order to make it a better place to live, work, play, and do business.
The Choose Harlingen video series will cover various topics that include healthcare in Harlingen, workforce, and education, connectivity, opening a business in Harlingen, and a basic introduction to what the Harlingen EDC does.
The first episode featured Selene Guerrero, Harlingen EDC marketing manager, Mayor Chris Boswell, and board members Michael Allex, architect, and Ricky Leal, a banker. The group touched up on various topics that will be further expanded on in future episodes.
“Our focus in economic development is to improve on the economic stability and quality of life in a community,” Guerrero explained.
It is not possible to attract higher-paying jobs or people to invest in a community if there aren’t constant improvements to our quality of life, Mayor Boswell added. Read more here.
Harlingen EDC Hired UTRGV Conducts a Feasibility Study
| The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation hired UTRGV to conduct a feasibility study for a small business incubator in Harlingen. This business incubator would help small businesses (including startups and existing businesses) be more successful. It could include a building that houses 10-20 small and startup businesses that share things like office space, photocopier, receptionist, and conference room. It also would give entrepreneurs and small businesses access to business assistance, through on-site workshops and one-on-one support. As a future entrepreneur or business owner, we are asking for your opinion to help us decide if a business incubator makes sense for Harlingen. Please take a few moments to share your thoughts with us. Your answers are confidential and will be used for research purposes only. |
| SURVEY |
TEDC Announces Board Chair, New Board Members and Election of Board Treasurer
Congratulations to our CEO, Raudel Garza, he was officially elected as a TEDC board member! The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) at its Board Meeting on October 15, 2021, recognized Wesley Burnett as the 2022 Chair of the Board of Directors. Wesley will serve as board chair effective October 15, 2021, through October 21, 2022. He has been a member of the TEDC’s Executive Committee since 2018.
The TEDC’s Nominating Committee put forth the eight individuals for election to the TEDC’s board of directors. The TEDC’s board officially elected these new board members for terms beginning October 15, 2021: Jodi Carr, City of Ingleside, Kasey Coker, High Ground of Texas; Jason Ford, Frisco Economic Development Corporation; Raudel Garza, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation; Adam Gawarecki, San Patricio County Economic Development Corporation; Travis Haggard, Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce; Stewart McGregor, City of Grand Prairie and Nathan Tafoya, Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation.
Great Turnout at the Oct. 6 Workforce Wednesday Event
Held every other month, Workforce Wednesday brings hundreds of job seekers together with employers looking to fill job openings. The Wednesday, Oct. 6 event had more than 125 job seekers attend and 25 employers from various industries. Several employers made same-day job offers while others scheduled interviews.
“We will continue working with our employers that have openings waiting to be filled. Our priority is connecting employers to qualified job seekers – that’s the purpose of Workforce Wednesday.” Raudel Garza, Harlingen EDC CEO, said. “Harlingen is centrally located and has the ability to attract a larger workforce from the region, thus making us more attractive to employers.” Check our website for updates on the next Workforce Wednesday. The organizations plan to hold these job fairs every other month, the next one will be held in December. There are currently openings for employers to sign up and participate for free. If you are an employer and would like to participate in the next job fair, call the Harlingen EDC at 956-216-5081 or Workforce Solutions Cameron at 956-368-5200, ext. 4328.
TSTC ranked first in Texas among two-year institutions
Texas State Technical College, which has 10 campuses statewide, has been ranked first in Texas and third nationally among two-year institutions by Niche.com, an online market leader focused on education.
TSTC received high marks in six categories: diversity, location, professors, safety, student life and value. The technical college was lauded for its 100% acceptance rate, its average $10,237 yearly tuition and the more than $6,699 in yearly average financial aid awarded.
“We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to our students and the value we bring to families and communities across Texas,” said Michael Reeser, Chancellor and CEO of TSTC. “Our faculty and staff focus on student success toward a great career, and it shows.”
According to the website, TSTC was found to have an average 12-1 student-instructor ratio. Some of the top technical programs by graduates were Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Power and Controls, and Welding Technology.
Texas State Technical College, which has 10 campuses statewide, has been ranked first in Texas and third nationally among two-year institutions by Niche.com, an online market leader focused on education.
TSTC received high marks in six categories: diversity, location, professors, safety, student life and value. The technical college was lauded for its 100% acceptance rate, its average $10,237 yearly tuition and the more than $6,699 in yearly average financial aid awarded.
“We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to our students and the value we bring to families and communities across Texas,” said Michael Reeser, Chancellor and CEO of TSTC. “Our faculty and staff focus on student success toward a great career, and it shows.”
According to the website, TSTC was found to have an average 12-1 student-instructor ratio. Some of the top technical programs by graduates were Automotive Technology, Diesel Equipment Technology, Electrical Power and Controls, and Welding Technology.
Happening in the community
Harlingen Restaurant Celebrates One-Year Oct. 22Reyna’s Bar-B-Q opened its doors in Harlingen a year ago and since, the popular restaurant has been hitting the spot for lunch, dinner and catering events. Celebrate their Harlingen success, learn more.
It’s Fall, Ya’ll! Celebrate in Harlingen Find out where you can find a pumpkin patch, spooky tour, and other activities here.
Harlingen’s Premier Fan ConventionMeet some of your favorite comic celebrities and artists who inspire and create popular comics, movies, and more. Happening Nov. 6-7, at the Harlingen Convention Center. Get more details and ticket information here.
Sales tax show a double-digit increase over last June for Harlingen
